A new roof, built from the deck up for Iowa winters and Iowa hail
A replacement is the one time every layer of the roof is open at once. We use it to fix what the last crew skipped: the ice barrier, the ventilation, the flashing and any soft decking underneath.
Every replacement we do is a full tear-off. Laying new shingles over old ones saves a day of labor, but it hides rotten decking, traps heat, adds weight and makes the next roofer's job harder. Iowa allows two layers in some cases; we still recommend going down to the wood on every house, because that's the only way to see what the wood looks like.
How the job goes, day by day
- Before day oneWe confirm the shingle line and color with you, order materials, pull the City of Des Moines permit or the suburb's equivalent, and tell you the dates. Shingles are delivered to the driveway or onto the roof.
- Tear-off morningTarps go over the landscaping and the foundation plantings, a dumpster or trailer goes in the driveway, and the old roof comes off down to the deck.
- Deck and ice barrierWe walk the bare deck, replace any soft or delaminated sheets, then install drip edge and self-adhering ice and water shield along every eave and in the valleys, where Des Moines ice dams and spring downpours do their damage.
- Underlayment, flashing, ventsSynthetic underlayment over the rest of the deck, new step and counter flashing, new pipe boots, and intake and exhaust ventilation balanced to the attic.
- Shingles and ridgeStarter strip, field shingles nailed to the manufacturer's pattern, hip and ridge caps, and the ridge vent.
- Clean-up and walk-throughMagnetic sweep of the yard and driveway, photos of the finished roof, the permit inspection scheduled, and the warranty paperwork handed over.
Choosing the shingle
Most homes here get architectural (laminated) asphalt shingles: thicker than the old three-tab, rated for higher winds, and good-looking on a ranch or a two-story alike. In this part of the country we also price a Class 4 impact-rated shingle on every quote. They cost more up front, they hold up better to the hail Polk County sees most years, and some insurers offer a premium discount for them; ask your agent what yours offers before deciding. For a roof that should outlast the mortgage, look at standing seam metal.
If a recent storm damaged the roof, the replacement may be part of an insurance claim. We build the scope to match what the adjuster approved, and we flag anything the code requires that wasn't in the estimate so you can ask for it as a supplement.
Roof replacement prices around Des Moines
| Work | Typical range | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural shingles, per square (100 sq ft), tear-off included | $475 – $750 | Pitch, layers removed, number of valleys and walls |
| Typical 1,600–2,200 sq ft home, architectural shingles | $11,000 – $19,000 | Roof size and complexity |
| Class 4 impact-rated shingles, added per square | + $45 – $95 | Product line |
| Decking replaced, per sheet | $90 – $160 | Only sheets found soft or broken |
| Extra layer removed, per square | $40 – $80 | When an old roof was laid over another |
| Ridge vent and intake vents | $400 – $1,200 | Attic size, existing soffits |
| City permit | Included | Pulled by us |
Ranges are typical for Des Moines-area homes in 2026 and are here to help you plan. Your real price comes after the free inspection, written down, before any work starts.
On the roof
Questions about roof replacement
How long does a roof last in Des Moines?
A good architectural shingle roof installed well usually gives 20 to 25 years here, less if hail or poor ventilation gets to it first. Standing seam metal commonly lasts 40 years or more.
Do you replace roofs in winter?
We can on dry, workable days, and shingles are sealed by hand in the cold. Most homeowners prefer spring through fall, and that's when most replacements happen. A roof that's actively failing doesn't wait for April.
Can I stay home during the tear-off?
Yes. It's loud for a day and the dog may disagree, but the house stays usable. Move cars out of the driveway and anything fragile off the walls in the top-floor rooms.
What happens if it rains mid-job?
We tear off only what we can dry-in the same day and keep tarps on site. If weather turns, the open section is covered before we leave.
Will you match my neighbor's roof?
If your HOA or your taste calls for it, yes. Bring us the neighbor's shingle line if you know it, or we'll identify it from the street.
What warranty comes with a new roof?
The shingle maker's material warranty, plus our written workmanship warranty, both handed over at the end. Terms vary by product line, so they're spelled out on your quote.
